WA SG Ball alumni chosen for Junior Kiwis squad

Former WA Reds SG Ball member Curtis Rona has been selected for the Junior Kiwis, and will be the first player from WA representing New Zealand at an international level.

Curtis has been playing with the Sydney Roosters since 2010 in their Toyota Cup Under 20s side, playing 29 games during his time there. The talented centre recently signed with the North Queensland Cowboys for the next two years. He is expected to make his NRL debut in 2013.

Born in Waitara, New Zealand, the 20-year old began his junior Rugby League at Perth’s Joondalup Giants before being selected in the 2010 WA Reds SG Ball team. Curtis also represented WA in the Under 18 State side.

Western Australian Rugby League CEO John Sackson said Curtis’s achievement is one to be commended.

“Curtis is a shining example of how WA Rugby League is providing career pathways for budding NRL players,” he said.

“He is indeed an inspiration to all junior WA League and Union players who dream of playing professional football.”

The Junior Kiwis play the Junior Kangaroos at Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville on October 13. The game is a curtain-raiser to the Australia vs. New Zealand test match.